The future of the massive online open course | Fiona Hollands | TEDxTeachersCollege

Summary

The speaker reflects on the evolution of education, starting with their personal experience at Oxford, where they struggled with traditional learning methods and eventually came to understand the complexities of evolutionary theory. They then explore the rise of MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), noting both their democratizing potential and the challenges they pose in terms of accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and educational impact. Despite the excitement surrounding MOOCs, the speaker questions their long-term value and suggests they will evolve into more targeted, adaptive learning tools in the future, potentially reshaping higher education.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker reflects on their early educational experience at Oxford, where they were introduced to the complex idea of evolution and the tutorial system.
• 😀 The transition from traditional learning methods, like using index cards in libraries, to modern online learning systems like MOOCs is highlighted.
• 😀 MOOCs, or Massive Open Online Courses, democratize education by offering free or low-cost courses accessible globally to anyone with an internet connection.
• 😀 Despite their global reach, MOOCs are predominantly accessed by educated individuals, often those with advanced degrees, which may increase the educational divide.
• 😀 The cost to develop and run MOOCs is significant, with estimates ranging from $35,000 to $300,000 per course, challenging their claim of being cost-effective.
• 😀 The effectiveness of MOOCs is questioned, as completion rates are low, and it is difficult to assess how well learners truly absorb the material.
• 😀 Many MOOCs are used as tools for personal growth or to supplement traditional education rather than providing formal educational credentials that hold significant economic value.
• 😀 There is concern about whether MOOCs can truly replace traditional education or whether they will simply serve as an alternative or supplementary option.
• 😀 The speaker suggests that the future of MOOCs lies in targeting more specific audiences, such as high school students or professionals in need of specialized knowledge.
• 😀 The future of MOOCs could see them offering tangible credentials, such as college credits or industry-recognized badges, and the integration of adaptive learning technology to personalize learning experiences.

Q & A

What was the initial challenge the speaker faced on their first day at Oxford?

The speaker struggled to understand the complex academic language presented by their adviser and was given a challenging assignment on evolution with the phrase 'ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny,' which they found difficult to decipher without access to Wikipedia.

What was the main teaching method at Oxford that the speaker encountered?

The main teaching method was the tutorial system, where students met one-on-one with professors to discuss assigned essays. This approach was designed to foster critical thinking and independent learning.

How did the speaker react to their first essay feedback from Professor Rogers?

The speaker was initially disappointed upon receiving their essay back with a grade lower than expected, but Professor Rogers engaged them in a discussion about evolution theories, challenging the speaker to develop their own theory of evolution.

How have online learning platforms like MOOCs changed education?

MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) have democratized education by offering free or low-cost courses to anyone with internet access, making learning more accessible and flexible compared to traditional methods.

What are some of the criticisms of MOOCs mentioned in the script?

The criticisms include that MOOCs are mostly accessed by highly educated individuals, often those with degrees already, which can exacerbate the divide between those with access to education and those without. Additionally, the completion rates are low, and it’s difficult to assess the true effectiveness of MOOCs in terms of learning outcomes.

What did the speaker find about the cost-effectiveness of MOOCs?

The speaker found that developing and delivering a MOOC is expensive, ranging from $35,000 to over $300,000 per course. This raises questions about whether MOOCs are truly cost-effective compared to traditional education or other online interventions.

What is the typical completion rate for MOOCs, and what does this imply?

The completion rate for MOOCs is typically around 5%, which is much lower than that of traditional online courses. This suggests that while MOOCs offer access, they may not effectively engage or retain learners, raising concerns about their overall value.

How have MOOCs impacted the way instructors approach teaching?

MOOCs have encouraged instructors to experiment with new teaching strategies, such as using platform data to analyze learner behavior. Some instructors are even conducting formal research on teaching and learning, which could lead to improvements in educational practices.

What are the potential future developments for MOOCs mentioned in the script?

The future of MOOCs may include more targeted courses for specific audiences, like high school students or professionals needing additional training. MOOCs could also offer revenue-generating services, meaningful credentials, and adaptive learning experiences tailored to individual students.

What is the speaker's perspective on whether MOOCs can replace traditional education?

The speaker suggests that while MOOCs may continue to evolve, they are unlikely to fully replace traditional education. They foresee a hybrid model in which MOOCs serve as part of a flipped classroom, offering introductory courses and supplementary learning experiences.